Prescott visits rail crash scene

Prescott: Praise for rescuers

LONDON, England -- UK Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has visited Selby, North Yorkshire, to see the scene of Wednesday's fatal crash between a passenger express and a freight train.

Standing in the sleet, Prescott thanked rescue and emergency workers. Earlier he said: "This is a dreadful accident.

"Our immediate concern is for the passengers who have died and others who have suffered so tragically.

REFERENCE Selby Train Crash   •  Collision map   •  Motorist's 999 call   •  'Like a bomb'   •  Emergency response   •  The day in quotes   •  Official reaction   •  Blow to UK railroads   •  Rail company statement   •  UK rail crash timeline

"The emergency services have responded very quickly and have been on the scene in great numbers with their equipment doing everything to treat and free the injured and get them to hospital."

Prescott, who is in charge of transport policy, is due to give a statement to members of parliament in the House of Commons at 1900 GMT.

Christopher Garnett, chief executive of train operator GNER, told Sky News: "It's been a ghastly six months, with Hatfield (October's fatal rail crash) and this. It just is terrible."

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "All our thoughts are with the dead and injured and their families and friends at this very difficult time.

"This is a quite horrendous accident which has shaken the whole country.

"As always the emergency services have responded with great professionalism and I would like to thank them and all the people in the local community who continue to help in such awful circumstances."

The Queen is also being kept informed of developments, said Buckingham Palace.

In a message to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the Queen said: "I was so distressed to hear of the terrible rail accident in Yorkshire this morning.

"Please pass on my deepest sympathy to the families and friends of all those who have died and to those who have been injured.

"I would be grateful if you would also convey my thanks and admiration to the rail and emergency services who are working at the scene.

"This is a particularly shocking tragedy coming on top of so much anxiety and loss from the foot-and-mouth outbreak and, before that, the recent floods."

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